But, what about other podcasts?

I was on the phone the other day with a person connected with HUP, and they asked me what podcasts I listened to, since they didn't see any mentioned on this blog. So, I thought I would try to live up to the non-show postings that I mention in the header, and explain what shows I listen to/watch and why.

First, I really don't listen to a lot of shows. It is hard, almost impossible actually, for me to read and hear a voice, because I always listen to the voice. I tend to listen to podcasts while exercising or cooking or late at night if I can't get back to sleep. Once spring rolls around, podcasts have to compete with my subscription to MLB.com, where I tend to listen to Royals and Giants games. Anyway, here are the shows that I listen to or have enjoyed in the past.

In Our Time, BBC Radio 4: The grand-daddy of the talk show. Melvyn Bragg sets such a high standard, it's ridiculous. Apart from the topics, which would never get aired on an American radio show, Melvyn is fun to listen to because of his ability to control traffic. I like nothing better than a particularly long winded guest and trying to sort out when Melvyn is going to cut them off or try to get them to answer the question. And, I admit it, I've stolen a couple of questions from him, though you might be hard pressed to notice them.

Inside Europe, Radio Deutsche Welle: Gives me great stories about Europe in 55 minutes each week and reminds me that the BBC does not have a lock on producing great radio. The monthly is quiz is a bit cheesy, though.

From Our Own Correspondent, BBC Radio 4: The best written show on radio and Kate Adie is a wonderful presenter. I am always stunned that they put this show out twice a week.

Best of Today, BBC Radio 4: Two words, Jon Humphrys.

On the Media, WNYC: I blow hot and cold on this show. I like it, but for some reason, I don't always listen to it. Great chemistry between the presenters, however.

More or Less, BBC Radio 4: Tim Hanford is producing the most interesting show out there right now, and it is all about the manipulation of numbers. The second series just started, with a great segment on the efficacy of anti-depressants and the numbers drug companies are using. Fantastic stuff.

On Refait Le Monde, RTL: I once described this to someone as the French version of the McLaughlin group. 45 minutes of commentary about the news important to France. Great pundits and a fun way to keep the French up to snuff, though there is one occasional pundit who speaks French like a machine gun and is impossible to keep up with.

Stephen Fry's PODGRAMS: I listened to my first one this weekend, and liked it a lot. I have a gut feeling the show will vary in quality, but when Fry is on, he is amazing.